Using Technologies for Safer Walking
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using technologies for safer walking: A participative inquiry
IRAS ID
188932
Contact name
D Galpin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 28 days
Research summary
This project is about the use of technologies to promote safer walking for people with dementia. A technology is an applied science or knowledge that solves a problem. This research examines the effectiveness and acceptability of using technologies, such as Global Positioning Systems for safer walking from the standpoint of police officers, people with dementia, and their families. We will examine GPS standalone devices, integrated systems on smartphones and other technologies used by people with dementia. The project will co-produce practical guidance with participants and key partners for decision makers at all levels to use.
The project runs from September 2015 to February 2018 and will be conducted in three phases - two of which will involve gathering information from different groups of people. In phase one, we will interview groups of police officers, and people with dementia and their families about using technologies. In phase two, we plan to find out more about peoples’ experience of using technologies, by walking with individuals (who use technologies) and talking to them while they are walking. Photographs and short videos will be taken whilst walking, with care not to identify the person in them. In phase three, we plan to work closely with participants and key partners to co-produce practical guidance and standards for decision makers to use. The study will be conducted in Hampshire.
Participants personally affected by dementia will be recruited to the study with the support of Southern Healthcare Trust, Adult Services Directorate at Hampshire CC, through an advert in the local paper, and the project website. Police officers will be recruited from Hampshire Constabulary with the support of a Detective Chief Inspector. Anyone with experience of either using, supporting, and/or issuing technologies with people with dementia will be eligible to take part in the study.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
16/WA/0103
Date of REC Opinion
29 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion